Meeting Immediate Needs Upon Arrival in Aberdeen
The journey to safety for asylum seekers is long, exhausting, and often dangerous. Many individuals arrive in Aberdeen after weeks in UK processing facilities, carrying little more than a single set of clothes and a small document folder. For families with young children, arriving in North-East Scotland’s cold climate without winter clothing or basic toiletries can be overwhelming.
Within 24 to 48 hours of an individual or family arriving in Aberdeen, Asylum & Refugee Care (AARC) SCIO steps in to provide emergency care packs containing essential living supplies, warm clothing, and personal hygiene products.
What Belongs in an Emergency Care Pack?
Our care packs are carefully tailored to meet immediate personal hygiene, comfort, and seasonal weather needs. Each emergency package includes:
- Personal Hygiene Essentials: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, sanitary products, razor, and shaving cream.
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Heavy winter jacket, waterproof coat, thermal socks, gloves, hat, scarf, and fresh underwear.
- Food & Refreshments: Non-perishable halal food items, tea, coffee, biscuits, rice, pulses, and canned goods.
- Baby & Infant Supplies: Nappies, baby wipes, infant formula, baby food jars, and warm baby clothing.
- Information & Orientation Materials: Multilingual welcome guides containing emergency contact numbers, maps of Aberdeen city centre, GP registration details, and AARC drop-in times.
The Psychological Value of Dignified Aid
Providing basic necessities does far more than satisfy physical requirements; it restores human dignity. Receiving clean, high-quality clothing and fresh toiletries signals to new arrivals that they are welcomed, safe, and valued members of our community.
How You Can Support Our Care Pack Appeals
AARC’s emergency supplies are funded entirely through public donations and community support in Aberdeen. You can help us restock our hub by donating:
- Unopened, unused toiletries and personal hygiene products.
- New underwear, socks, warm jackets, and sturdy shoes in all sizes.
- Non-perishable food items (vegetarian and halal options preferred).
- Monetary donations via our main website aarc.charity to purchase high-priority supplies.
Together, we can ensure that every person arriving in Aberdeen receives a compassionate welcome and the basic supplies needed to start rebuilding their life.